Off the Coast of a Barren Rock

[Ollie]

The teak-colored skiff rides the rolling sea as capable as a knight would the rolling hills of the Westerlands. Two men aboard the vessel fix the trim, mind the till, batten down the hatches, and tend to the other various nautical business under the merciless southron summer sun. The skiff makes good time, but to what end is unclear. The pair seem perfectly content to drift between island and island, constantly shifting and inspecting the various crates and chest between them, and whatever objects inside shine and reflect the light across the waves.

[Erik]

After some time, a ship appears on the horizon, moving fairly quickly. The small skiff did not appear to be their aim, but when it is in sight, the larger vessel turns toward it. It is seen to be a longship upon coming closer, flying the gold kraken on a field of black. Once in shouting distance of the skiff, a woman steps to the side of the ship and hails them.

"Haven't you fools heard? This water is rife with pirates! Best give us what you carry to keep it safe for you!"

[Ollie]

The slimmer of the two stands in the skiff and shields his eyes from the bright sky, flashing he teeth despite the sun and situation. His hair was the color of dark mud, shaggy and hanging to his jaw, which was coated with a light beard. "Is that so? Looks like you'll be boarding us then, taking our loot, and seeing us safe on our way then? Or will our kind benefactors give us a sword to the belly in spite of our compliance?"

[Erik]

"Might, might not, ser," She replies, smiling, "Have to leave one man alive to tell the story, and well, I've never been one for details. What's an extra man, here or there?"

[Ollie]

"Ah, but there's a risk in killing the wrong men, y'see," the man explains, brushing the tangles of hair from his eyes. His tall stature, thick muscles and strong jaw spoke of some northern heritage, but on a lithe, narrow frame, his exact origin was unreadable.

"What if there's things inside their heads that are worth more when they're kept inside, and not bashed on the deck?"

[Erik]

"Well then, I suppose you'd have to surrender, and we'd take you lot back home as prisoners, if it's not too much hassle."

[Ollie]

"Ah, grand," the man standing beamed a white smile. "We surrender."

[Erik]

The girl gives a disappointed sigh, and waves a hand, following which several grapples are sent across to the smaller boat. Soon, a number of Ironborn board and begin searching the vessel thoroughly.

[Ollie]

The tiny skiff hardly has enough room for more than six men to occupy it comfortably, and with the chests and boxes clogging the deck, quarters were tight. The pair stood aside complacently as the pirate crew began to ransack their goods, finding boxes full of sand, torn linen, and shattered mirror.

[Erik]

When told of the cargo, the girl gives the men a quizzical look, but doesn't press the issue. "Bind their hands," She tells her crew, who comply, "And bring them aboard. Leave the ship, unless they can give me a terribly compelling reason to do otherwise."

[Ollie]

"There's something aboard the ship that belongs to someone close to you," he said, holding his hands aloft obediently as they are bound. "I trust that you might find it if you search long enough, but why not just tow the vessel behind you and bring it home? You can have the boat if you like, consider it a gift."

[Erik]

She rolls her eyes. "And what do I need some Greenlander's ship for? I've fucked finer vessels. But, then, we don't have time to search it, I hear there's Braavosi patrols about. Fine, lash it up to tow behind," She tells the crew, who carry it out with haste.

The ship is soon on its way to New Pyke.

[Ollie]

The tousle-haired man and his so far silent companion sit with a docile calmness aboard the ironborn vessel as they make their way into the heart of the island's crater.